Thomas Nagel
Consciousness is a subjective point of view that physics does not describe: our idea of nature must be widened.
Life
American philosopher born in 1937, professor at New York University. His 1974 article on the bat argues that consciousness is a subjective point of view that physics, as we conceive it, does not describe. He holds that our conception of nature must be widened to include the mind. He matters for the questions on the mind and consciousness.
Main works
Argues that consciousness has a subjective character irreducible to physical explanations.
Examines the tension between the subjective point of view and objectivity.
Argues that materialist neo-Darwinism cannot account for consciousness.
In his own words
« Without consciousness the mind-body problem would be much less interesting. With consciousness it seems hopeless. »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceHe is an atheist and admits he hopes there is no God.
Nagel, The Last Word (1997)
Reason has its own authority that cannot be explained away by experience or biology.
Nagel, The Last Word (1997)
Consciousness cannot be reduced to physics, so materialism is incomplete; he rejects dualism and looks for a wider natural view.
Nagel, What Is It Like to Be a Bat? (1974) ; Mind and Cosmos (2012)
Values are real and can be recognized by reason, not just projections of our feelings.
Nagel, The View from Nowhere (1986)
Life has no given meaning and is absurd, but this need not be a reason for despair.
Nagel, The Absurd (1971)